Public asked to attend flood scheme workshop

Members of the public are encouraged to attend a joint workshop to discuss the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme and the Scottish Borders Climate Resilient Communities project.

The interactive event takes place on Monday, January 18, at The Well, Hawick Baptist Church’s community hub, in Bourtree Terrace, at 5.45pm.

Experts brought in by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation– which is funding the climate resilient project,will be in attendance alongside council staff and other key organisations.

The workshop will continue the collaboration between the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme and the Scottish Borders Climate Resilient Communities project.

Hawick Flood Protection Scheme is currently in its outline design phase and is seeking to engage with residents so that any concerns over the project can be mitigated now, rather than later which could lead to delays to the scheme.

The Scottish Borders Climate Resilient Communities project is one of two in the UK to be funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation climate change and communities programme.

The project will aim to help the Council work alongside local resilience community groups, with Hawick, Newcastleton and Peebles chosen to take part in the 16-month programme.

SBC’s executive member for planning and environment, Councillor Ron Smith, said: “It is crucial local people are involved in this workshop, with the public’s views required for the development of the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme as well as the Scottish Borders Climate Resilient Communities project.

“Those who attend will be helping us to better protect Hawick from flooding as well as provide support to the people who live and work in the town.

“I would encourage members of the public and community groups in Hawick to attend the workshop and contribute to both projects.”